2023 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance

When it comes to famous dessert wines, you're talking about Sauternes, Tokaj, (Trocken)Beerenauslese, Loire Valley, Alsace, and the most famous dessert wine of the Southern Hemisphere: Vin de Constance from Klein Constantia in South Africa. This wine was already renowned in the 18th and 19th centuries and was among the favorites of Napoleon Bonaparte and King George IV. Vin de Constance is made from 100% Muscat de Frontignan, harvested late (without botrytis). Vin de Constance can easily age for an exceptionally long time (30 years is no problem).

Described as one of the world's most beautiful vineyards, Klein Constantia is nestled amid ancient trees and lush greenery at the foot of the Constantiaberg, with stunning views over the Constantia Valley and False Bay. The 146-hectare wine farm was originally part of "Constantia," a vast estate established in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the Cape's first governor. This particular valley was chosen not only for its beauty but also for the decomposed granite soils on its slopes, which are gently cooled by sea breezes. Klein Constantia, the perfect location for cool-climate wines, produces some of South Africa's finest wines, including one of the world's finest natural sweet wines, Vin de Constance.

The approach used to create Vin de Constance is unique to Klein Constantia, based on historical evidence of these iconic sweet wines from Constantia, as it was done in 1700. From these traditions, a style has been developed that creates a perfect sweet wine from Muscat de Frontignan. One of the key aspects to achieving balance is harvesting from different plots at different stages of ripeness over a period of two months. Each harvest has a precise purpose and is intended to achieve a perfect balance of sugar, alcohol, and acidity. After a longer fermentation period, the wine is aged for three years in a combination of 50% new oak and 50% acacia barrels.

In the glass, the wine appears almost pure gold. The nose is enticing. Sweet yet fresh, this is what makes this wine so special. It has precise yet delicate aromas of white flowers, ripe citrus, and a hint of rosewater and almond. The palate is in perfect harmony with a lush mouthfeel. Flavors of creamy stone fruit, lychee, citrus peel, and vibrant spice abound, creating an ideal balance. It finishes with a lively yet complex, long finish. The combination of residual sugar and alcohol content has a well-known preservative effect on bottled wine. This wine can age for many decades, if not generations.

FACT: The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you collect it, you will also receive a nice discount.